JP2019171741A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to continuously perform a printing work even if a heat generator of a thermal head is disconnected.SOLUTION: A printer has: disconnection detection means which detects a disconnected heat generator of a thermal head; determination means which determines whether the disconnected heat generator overlaps with a heat generator which prints a specific content; and printing information preparation means which prepares printing information concerning a new layout in which the specific content is moved to a region which does not use the disconnected heat generator and is not overlapped with a printing content other than the specific content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that can determine the state of a heating element of a thermal head of a printer and notify the determination result.

JP 2002-307736 A

  According to the technique described above, when the heating element of the thermal head is disconnected, printing can be stopped and the user can be notified. In this case, it is necessary to replace the thermal head, but it may be difficult for the user to replace the thermal head. Also, it is inconvenient that the printing operation must be interrupted while waiting for the service person.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to continue printing even when a heating element of a thermal head is disconnected.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer that prints on a print medium print information including specific content as print information that becomes unrecognizable due to a partial defect and print content other than the specific content. A thermal head that includes a heating element and performs printing on the print medium; a disconnection detection unit that detects the disconnected heating element; and a heating element that the disconnected heating element detected by the disconnection detection unit prints the specific content. The specific content in a determination unit that determines whether or not to overlap, and a region that does not use the disconnected heating element and a region that does not overlap with the print content other than the specific content when the determination unit determines that they overlap There is provided a printer having print information creating means for creating print information of a new layout which has moved.

  According to the above aspect, even if the heating element of the thermal head is disconnected, specific content that cannot be printed due to disconnection, that is easily affected by so-called “white spots”, is identified as an area that does not use the disconnected heating element. Since print information of a new layout moved to an area that does not overlap with print content other than the content is created and this print information is printed on the print medium, the print operation can be continued.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermal head and print information printed by the thermal head. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining that a disconnection has occurred in the heating element of the thermal head. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing for creating print information of a new layout by the controller. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating print information displayed on the display unit of the printer. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining print information of a new layout printed on the print medium. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating print information including a print pattern for making it easy to find the position of the disconnected heating element. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case where the print information candidates displayed on the display unit are printed on the print medium M. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where print information is printed on the print medium M in which the pre-print content is included in the print medium M. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating destination candidates printed on the print medium M when the specific content is a barcode.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The printer 100 is a thermal coloring type printer that performs printing on a printing medium M that is thermal paper.

  As the print medium M, for example, a roll paper, a roll label in which a plurality of labels are temporarily attached continuously at a predetermined interval on a roll-like base sheet to form a roll, or a belt-like label provided with a release agent on the surface is rolled. A non-mounting label is used.

  The configuration of the printer 100 will be described. The printer 100 includes a printing mechanism 1, a medium supply unit 4, a cutter 5, a controller 7, and a position detection sensor 9.

  The printing mechanism 1 includes a head unit 11, a platen roller 12, and a platen drive motor 14, and is a mechanism that performs printing on the printing medium M and conveyance of the printing medium M.

  The head unit 11 holds the thermal head 16 in a state where the plurality of heating elements H1 to Hn (see FIG. 2) of the thermal head 16 are exposed from the lower surface. The platen roller 12 is disposed immediately below the thermal head 16 and constitutes a printing unit 15 that performs printing on the printing medium M together with the thermal head 16.

  The head unit 11 is supported by a support shaft 13 so as to be swingable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The head unit 11 includes a head open position where the thermal head 16 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 is separated from the platen roller 12 and a head closed position where the thermal head 16 indicated by a solid line in FIG. Can be moved.

  The platen drive motor 14 drives the platen roller 12 via a belt, a gear or the like.

  The medium supply unit 4 holds the printing medium M supplied to the printing unit 15 in a roll shape. The printing medium M is guided to the printing unit 15 by the guide shaft 41 and is sandwiched between the thermal head 16 and the platen roller 12.

  When the heating medium H1 to Hn of the thermal head 16 is energized while the printing medium M is sandwiched between the thermal head 16 and the platen roller 12, the printing medium M is colored by the heat of the heating elements H1 to Hn. Then, printing on the printing medium M is performed.

  When the platen roller 12 is rotated forward by the platen drive motor 14, the print medium M is conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction, and the print medium M is discharged from the printer 100 through the discharge port 8. A cutter 5 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 8 and the continuous print medium M can be cut into a single sheet.

  The position detection sensor 9 is a reflection type photoelectric sensor, and detects a timing mark (not shown) pre-printed on the print medium M at a predetermined pitch, so that when the print is issued continuously, the print unit The relative position of the print medium M with respect to 15 is detected.

  The controller 7 includes a microprocessor, a storage device such as a ROM and a RAM, an input / output interface, and a bus for connecting them. The controller 7 receives print data from an external computer (not shown), a detection signal from the position detection sensor 9 and the like via an input / output interface. The controller 7 executes various programs stored in the storage device by the microprocessor, and controls energization to the heating elements H1 to Hn of the thermal head 16, energization to the platen drive motor 14, and the like. The controller 7 may be constituted by a plurality of microcomputers.

  The printer 100 includes a display 200 as a display unit that can display at least print information printed on the print medium M. The display 200 includes a touch panel and is configured to allow operation input to the printer 100. In addition, an operation input button (not shown) may be provided.

  Next, the thermal head 16 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the print information printed by the thermal head 16 and the thermal head 16.

  FIG. 2 shows a state in which the print information 50 is printed by the thermal head 16 while the print medium M is conveyed from the bottom to the top of the drawing.

  The print information 50 includes a frame 51, a delivery address 52, a sender 53, and a seal stamp field 54 as print contents. Here, the specific content is print information that becomes unrecognizable or difficult to recognize due to a partial defect. The specific content includes a two-dimensional code 55 and a barcode 155 (described later) that are optical identification codes. In addition to the print information 50, a preprint content 60 printed in advance on the print medium M is printed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of heating elements H <b> 1 to Hn are provided along the width direction of the print medium M on the lower surface of the thermal head 16.

  The platen roller 12 rotates forward and the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R are conveyed downstream in the conveying direction, and the heating element used for printing the print information 50 among the heating elements H1 to Hn is selectively electrically connected. By applying the ink, the ink on the ink ribbon R is transferred to the print medium M, and the print information 50 is printed on the print medium M.

  Since the printer 100 performs printing by selectively applying electricity to the heating elements H1 to Hn according to the printing information 50 printed on the printing medium M to generate heat, the usage frequency of the heating elements H1 to Hn is low. The higher the heating element, the faster the resistance value decreases. That is, the heat generating element having a higher use frequency among the heat generating elements H1 to Hn deteriorates earlier.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining that a disconnection has occurred in the heating element of the thermal head 16. If the heating element is further deteriorated and eventually the heating element is disconnected, printing cannot be performed, and white spots W appear in the print information as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3 and the subsequent drawings, when it is necessary to explain the white space W, it is shown as a region surrounded by a one-dot chain line on the drawing for convenience of explanation.

  In FIG. 3, white spots W appear on the seal column 54 and the two-dimensional code 55 that is the specific content. When the white spot W occurs in a character string print area such as the seal field 54, it is difficult to read, but for example, an optical identification code (bar code, two-dimensional code, etc.) In some cases, the matrix is missing and may not be readable by the reader. FIG. 3 shows that a part of the heating element for printing the two-dimensional code 55 is disconnected.

  On the other hand, in the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, the controller 7 detects the disconnected heating element, and the detected disconnected heating element overlaps with the heating element that prints specific content such as the two-dimensional code 55. If it overlaps, the specific content is configured to create print information of a new layout that is moved to an area that does not use the disconnected heating element and an area that does not overlap with other print contents. Yes.

  That is, the controller 7 determines whether the broken heating element detected by the broken wire detection means overlaps with the heating element that prints the specific content such as the two-dimensional code 55. And a print information creation means for creating print information of a new layout in which the specific content is moved to an area where the disconnected heating element is not used and an area which does not overlap with other print contents when the overlapping determination is made Function.

  Hereinafter, processing for creating print information of a new layout executed by the controller 7 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing for creating print information of a new layout executed by the controller 7.

  In step S1, the controller 7 executes a process for detecting the disconnected heating element. In step S <b> 2, when the controller 7 detects the disconnected heating element, the controller 7 proceeds to step S <b> 3 and determines whether the disconnected heating element overlaps the heating element that prints the two-dimensional code 55. On the other hand, if the controller 7 does not detect the disconnected heating element, the controller 7 proceeds to a printing process shown in step S7 described later.

  If the controller 7 determines in step S3 that the disconnected heating element overlaps the heating element that prints the two-dimensional code 55, the process proceeds to step S4. If the controller 7 determines that the disconnected heating element does not overlap with the heating element that prints the two-dimensional code 55, the controller 7 proceeds to a printing process shown in step S7 described later.

  In step S <b> 4, the controller 7 creates print information of a new layout in which the two-dimensional code 55 is moved to an area where the disconnected heating element is not used and an area which does not overlap with other print contents.

  Subsequently, in step S5, the controller 7 displays the new layout print information created in step S4 on the display 200 before printing the new layout print information. Here, there are cases where a plurality of patterns are created for printing information of a new layout.

  The controller 7 waits for an operation input for printing the print information displayed on the display 200. When print processing is designated in step S6, the print information of a new layout is printed in step S7. Is printed on the print medium M.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining print information displayed on the display 200 of the printer 100 in step S5. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining print information of a new layout printed on the print medium M.

  In step S5 described above, candidate print information 250 to be printed on the print medium M is displayed on the display 200 of the printer 100 as shown in FIG.

  In the print information 250 displayed on the display 200, in addition to the frame object 251, the delivery destination object 252, the sender object 253, and the seal column object 254, an object 255 indicating that the two-dimensional code cannot be displayed is displayed. Is displayed. As an example of the layout pattern, destination candidates A and B for moving the two-dimensional code are displayed.

  Further, an arrow object 256 for indicating the location of the broken heating element, and a line object 257 indicating a portion that cannot be printed due to the disconnection of the heating element are displayed.

  In addition, a message 270 for the user and input button objects 271 and 272 for operation are displayed. In addition to the input button objects 271 and 272, the user can perform input operations using input buttons (not shown) provided in the printer 100.

  In FIG. 5, the position of the sender object 253 is replaced with the position of the movement destination candidate B of the two-dimensional code by the controller 7. As described above, the controller 7 prints the two-dimensional code 55 using a heating element that does not include a disconnected heating element, based on the size, printing position, set conditions, and the like of each print content constituting the printing information 50. Processing to change the layout of each print content is performed so that it can be performed.

  On the display 200, when the movement destination candidate A is selected by the user in step S6, printing information of a new layout in which the printing area of the two-dimensional code 55 is changed to the movement destination candidate A is printed as shown in FIG. Printed on the medium M.

  FIG. 6 shows that the print information has been changed so that the two-dimensional code 55 is printed in an area that is not affected by the white spot W, although the white spot W has not been eliminated.

  As described above, the printer 100 is a heating element in which the detected disconnected heating element prints an optical identification code such as the two-dimensional code 55 even if the heating element of the thermal head is disconnected. If it overlaps, create print information of a new layout in which the specific content is moved to an area where the disconnected heating element is not used and an area that does not overlap with other print contents, and this is printed It is configured as follows.

  For this reason, even if the heating element of the thermal head 16 is disconnected, important print content such as an optical identification code can be printed using the heating element that is not disconnected, so the thermal head 16 is replaced. Until then, the printing operation can be continued without interruption.

  In addition, the printer 100 according to the present embodiment can extend the usage period of the thermal head 16 with respect to the disconnection of the thermal head 16 by the above-described usage. Thereby, the replacement frequency of the expensive thermal head 16 can be reduced as compared with other consumables, and the printing cost can be reduced.

[Modification]
Next, a modified example of the printer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the process of creating print information of a new layout described with reference to FIG. 4, the controller 7 detects a disconnected heating element (step S2, YES), and disconnects the generated heat before proceeding to step S3. Printing information including a printing pattern for making it easy to find the position of the body may be created and printed.

  That is, the controller 7 creates print information including a print pattern that is printed using all the heating elements provided in the thermal head 16.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating print information including a print pattern for making it easy to find the position of the disconnected heating element. In the present embodiment, the printer 100 performs a disconnection detection process before starting to print a series of print information 50, and performs the disconnection detection process for each label.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which a disconnection detection process is executed before printing of one label is started and a black pattern is printed when a disconnection is detected. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the breakage of the heating element occurs at the point W0 during the printing of the preceding label shown on the upper side of FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, a print pattern 56 including a message “Thermal head has run out. It is recommended to replace it” is printed. Here, the print pattern 56 is a so-called black solid pattern that prints using all the heating elements of the thermal head 16.

  As a result, in the black solid print pattern 56, the white spot W appears clearly at the position corresponding to the disconnected heating element, so that the heating element is disconnected and the position can be clearly indicated to the user. it can.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a case in which print information candidates displayed on the display 200 are printed on the print medium M. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where print information is printed on the print medium M in which the pre-print content is included in the print medium M.

  In the process of creating the print information of the new layout described with reference to FIG. 4, the controller 7 selects print information candidates in place of step S5 or in parallel with displaying the print information on the display 200. Processing for printing on the printing medium M may be performed.

  In FIG. 8, the movement destination candidate A and the movement destination candidate B of the two-dimensional code 55 are printed on the print medium M. In addition, a solid black print pattern 56 including a message “The thermal head has run out. It is recommended to replace it” is printed.

  This makes it easier for the user to understand the relationship between the position where the white spot W occurs and the movement destination candidates A and B of the two-dimensional code 55. For this reason, the user can easily select an appropriate one of the print information 50 newly created by the controller 7. In addition, even in a printer (for example, a small mobile printer) that does not include a display 200 that is sufficient to display print information, it is possible to check the influence of disconnection on specific content.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the pre-print contents 60 and 61 are printed on the print medium M to be used, the user only needs to display the pre-print contents 60 and 61 on the display 200. The layout including 61 may not be grasped.

  That is, when printing is actually performed on the print medium M, as shown in FIG. 5, the user selects the destination candidate A among the destination candidates A and B of the two-dimensional code 55 displayed on the display 200. It can be seen that the print content 61 overlaps.

  Therefore, instead of step S5 or in parallel with displaying the print information on the display 200, the controller 7 prints the print information candidates on the print medium M, so that the pre-print contents 60 and 61 are performed. It can be confirmed whether or not there is overlap.

[Other Embodiments]
The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the above embodiment is merely one example of application of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is limited to the specific configuration of the above embodiment. is not.

  In the printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the disconnection detection process in step S1 may be performed for each label, or the print process is started upon receiving a command to execute a desired number of print processes on the print medium M. Just before you do.

  Further, the print pattern 56 for making it easy to find the position of the disconnected heating element is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating destination candidates printed on the print medium M when the specific content is a barcode. FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the movement destination candidates A and B of the barcode 155 are printed on the printing medium M in the printing information 150 including the barcode 155 as the specific content.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the specific content is the barcode 155, the bar is lost due to the white spot W due to the disconnection, so that there is a high possibility that the reader cannot correctly read. On the other hand, according to the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, as in the case of the two-dimensional code 55, even if the heating element of the thermal head 16 is disconnected, the heating element that does not disconnect the barcode 155. Since printing can be performed with a new layout moved to a position where printing can be performed using the, printing operation can be continued until the thermal head 16 is replaced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the printer 100 is a thermal type apparatus that prints by heating a thermal medium has been described. However, the printer 100 may be a thermal transfer type apparatus that heats the ink ribbon R to transfer the ink on the ink ribbon R onto a medium for printing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing mechanism 2 Ribbon supply shaft 3 Ribbon take-up shaft 4 Medium supply shaft 5 Cutter 6 Medium detection sensor 7 Controller 8 Discharge port 9 Position detection sensor 11 Head unit 12 Platen roller 13 Support shaft 14 Platen drive motor 15 Printing unit 16 Thermal head 21 Guide shaft 31 Guide shaft 32 Take-up shaft drive motor 41 Guide shaft 50 Print information 51 Frame 52 Delivery destination 53 Sender 54 Seal stamp field 55 Two-dimensional code 56 Print pattern 60 Pre-print content 61 Pre-print content 100 Printer 150 Print information 155 Bar Code 200 Display unit 250 Print information 251 Frame object 252 Delivery destination object 253 Sender object 254 Seal column object 255 Object 256 Arrow object 257 Line object 270 Message 271 Input button object A, B Destination candidate H1-Hn Heating element

Claims (6)

A printer that prints on a print medium print information including specific content as print information that becomes unrecognizable due to some deficiency and print content other than the specific content,
A thermal head that includes a plurality of heating elements and performs printing on the printing medium;
A disconnection detecting means for detecting a disconnected heating element;
Determining means for determining whether or not the disconnected heating element detected by the disconnection detecting means overlaps the heating element that prints the specific content;
When it is determined by the determination means that it overlaps, print information of a new layout in which the specific content is moved to an area where the disconnected heating element is not used and an area not overlapping with the print content other than the specific content is created. Printing information creation means for
Having
Printer. The printer according to claim 1,
The print information creating means moves the specific content to an area where the disconnected heating element is not used and an area not overlapping with the print content other than the specific content when the determination means determines that the print information overlaps. Create multiple layout print information,
Printer. The printer according to claim 1,
Before executing the printing of the printing information, at least the printing information created by the printing information creation means has display means for displaying the printing information,
Printer. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The print information creating means creates print information including a print pattern to be printed using all the heating elements provided in the thermal head at the same time.
Printer. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Printing the print information created by the print information creating means;
Printer. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The specific content is an optical identification code;
Printer.

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